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The mood is probably better for a Jokinen trade then it ever has been in Florida. The rumours have swirled for years, but there are incredible behind the scenes stories I am hearing. One this morning, one last night...really make me wonder if the ownership may be forced to make this move. I have heard Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal are the first places to look, with Buffalo, Edmonton and Chicago all possibilities. One thing that is for certain, if OJ is available, a huge bidding war will ensue.

and....a Mats rumor

The Vancouver Canucks are the likely landing place for Mats. The problem is who goes the other way. As I wrote yesterday, Kessler is the key piece, and that is a risk given the style played in Vancouver. Yesterday I wrote about Columbus and Mats, and although Columbus has a lot of interest, I have been told that Sundin will NOT likely go there. He wants to play for a team with a Cup shot. So really, we are looking at 5 teams. Vancouver, Calgary, San Jose and Anaheim and possibly Dallas.

I personally would welcome Jokinen in Toronto...but I would love it more if Mats were here.

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i don't think we'd get Olli...what do we have that will beat out all other teams offers and please florida...

I'm a big fan of HB... but I wouldn't be reporting every rumour you hear there cause we'll end up littering the board quite

Florida is currently tied for the 3rd overall with Toronto and Buffalo.

We need to concentrate on a rebuild, not a patchwork solution. I would love Ollie, but with the current Leaf status, I would look to add him through free agency and not by trade. Assets should be traded for quality picks and prospects. Hossa will likely be a UFA in July. Toronto doesn't have the Gagnes, Richards, Carters Umbergers et al to make a quick rebound.

If Kaberle & Sundin go, they need picks and young prospects.

Example:
Campbell looks like he may not re-sign in Buffalo. If they can move Kaberle for picks and prospects, they can take a shot at signing an Ontario born UFA like Campbell this summer for no young talent cost.

Let

Insider good post. That is the way it has to be but every time I hear a trade rumour like that I panic a bit.

MAS wrote:I'm a big fan of HB... but I wouldn't be reporting every rumour you hear there cause we'll end up littering the board quite

Quoting Eklund is fun when there are no legit rumours out ther

Living in Canucks country, I'd love to see Mats traded to Vancouver. Considering my inability to stomach the Leafs' play of late and considering as well my love for Sundin, I (and really that's who's important here) would get to cheer for a decent team and my favourite Leaf. Plus, the Leafs will obtain some talented young players and picks who should bear fruit in a few years. Just enough time for me to see out the end of Mats' career and then move back to TO for the return of decent hockey.

Win - Win - Win.

I would absolutely love Jokinen on this team if we were in a playoff race. However, since we're not...I'd rather not trade young valuable assets in exchange for a short term solution.

Crowned wrote:I would absolutely love Jokinen on this team if we were in a playoff race. However, since we're not...I'd rather not trade young valuable assets in exchange for a short term solution.

I've been considering this for a little while, now what if Cliff/new GM truly prove they want to help this team win and soon, by dealing away Sundin/McCabe/Tucker and waiving a guy like Razor. That's a huge assumption, but let's assume they clear that much cap. Now what if they take a prospect or two (Antropov+Tlusty?), a pick from 09 and make a run at a 28 year old Jokinen. His cap number is about 5.25, which really only cancels out Sundin's contract. With the extra cap room, the Leafs make a run at Hossa, and try and sign a defenseman (Schultz would be ideal, but a bit expensive). Now that would be a Philly style re-build, with your two main players not THAT old, at 28 a piece, with builiding blocks coming in with Toronto's pick, and probably at least one more 1st rounder (Sundin) if not two (McCabe).

bryant08 wrote:-= original quote snipped =-



I've been considering this for a little while, now what if Cliff/new GM truly prove they want to help this team win and soon, by dealing away Sundin/McCabe/Tucker and waiving a guy like Razor. That's a huge assumption, but let's assume they clear that much cap. Now what if they take a prospect or two (Antropov+Tlusty?), a pick from 09 and make a run at a 28 year old Jokinen. His cap number is about 5.25, which really only cancels out Sundin's contract. With the extra cap room, the Leafs make a run at Hossa, and try and sign a defenseman (Schultz would be ideal, but a bit expensive). Now that would be a Philly style re-build, with your two main players not THAT old, at 28 a piece, with builiding blocks coming in with Toronto's pick, and probably at least one more 1st rounder (Sundin) if not two (McCabe).

agreed with this post people are overstating how long it will take to turn this thing around. Some people seem to think we need to bottom feed for 2-3 years to sucessfully rebuild this team when it could very easily be done in one offseason. For arguments sake lets say we make that deal you posted (Antropov, Tlusty, 2009 4th round) for Jokinen. Then we sign Hossa with the money saved from the Mats and hopefully Tucker/Kubina deals which shed salary. Heres what the team next year could look like in a hypothetical sense.

Ponikarovski Jokinen Hossa
Kulemin Kesler Blake
Steen Stajan Wellwood
Kilger Moore Belak

McCabe Kaberle
Gill Stralman
White Pietrangelo

Toskala
Pogge

Thats a good young team with alot of upside and would compete for a playoff spot and we'd had also improved the farm with picks aquired in tucker/kubina deals.

^the only problem is u need a GM with a pair to make those kind of moves, i mean your basically trading away everything uve got, and the players involved would have to waive their nmcs/ntcs. its worth a shot tho, this wouldnt be a bad idea because it turns the team around quickly, and gives them pieces for the future as well. can u imagine if they get lucky with the lotto and grab stamkos? dear god. and if u got pietrangelo, why would u rush him?

bryant08 wrote:^the only problem is u need a GM with a pair to make those kind of moves, i mean your basically trading away everything uve got, and the players involved would have to waive their nmcs/ntcs. its worth a shot tho, this wouldnt be a bad idea because it turns the team around quickly, and gives them pieces for the future as well. can u imagine if they get lucky with the lotto and grab stamkos? dear god. and if u got pietrangelo, why would u rush him?

Well I was under the impression thats why Fletcher is here, to clear the deck and that would mean Sundin, Tucker, Kubina possibly Gill. Your still keeping Kaberle and McCabe around to mentor this young team with the possibilty Mats resigns in the offseason but if he doesnt there are certainly many other ways to go (Jokinen, Marleau, Hossa ect) or offer a nice RFA offer sheet to a guy like Jeff Carter.

I Think Pietrangelo, Stamkos and Schenn can all step in next season and make a impact and on a rebuilding team it wouldnt hurt there development nearly as much as a team fighting hard to be a playoff team.

Players id look to target in the offseason or trade deadline in trade (I would be cool with dealing Wellwood, White and picks to grab a upgrade at center or wing).

-Jeff Carter
-Antoine Vermette (could be had by signing)
-Marek Svatos
-Phil Kessel
-Semin
-Kesler
-Corey Perry

keep in mind when signing a restricted free agent, you have to go high enough so the other team doesn't match, but not too high or you end up paying a heavy price in draft picks

[quote="Griff83"][/quote]

wellwood and picks will not get you anyone on your list
sorry to say.

wellwood and a 3rd round pick MIGHT get a 2nd round pick